Assad

Zugzwang: A situation in which one’s obligation to make a move will inevitably a lead to a serious disadvantage and diminished position.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a more difficult time trying to find a defensible angle for a cartoon, and this one doesn’t provide much of a firm stance. I think when it comes down to it, no one can predict what is going to happen, or whether intervening or ignoring the red line and backing down will escalate the conflict further. I don’t believe comparisons to Iraq, Kosovo, or Libya provide any real insight, and a regime as unstable as Assad’s is capable of anything. That being said – with unpredictable outcomes being equal, I would reluctantly advocate for the “inaction” door on the right.